Congratulations, you are now a high school graduate! You've accomplished great things to get to this point and now you feel like the entire world is yours to take. I graduated from high school one year ago and in that short time I've learned a lot that I wish I knew before tossing my cap. These are the things that I wish someone would have told me before I had to find out the hard way:

Spend Time With Family and Friends

Whether you plan on going to college, joining the workforce, or going into the military, in just a short time you will be starting a new chapter in your life. Because of this, I advise you to use as much time as you can to spend with the people you love. You couldn't have made it this far without them, so use the remaining time you have to make new memories and cherish old ones.

Resolve Any Conflicts You Had With Your Classmates

I understand that Sarah may have stolen your boyfriend or Brandon did something to you freshman year that you promised never to forgive him for, but chances are that after graduation you will never see them again. Take the little time you have to make amends with those who have wronged you, or the people you have wronged. Trust me, you don't want to leave high school holding grudges that could have been resolved. It isn't worth it, and some of these people can possibly play a pivotal role in your life later on down the road.

Explore Your Options

I get that you may be set on going to a state school or you've told your parents that your heart is telling you to join the military, but in reality you're not 100% sure what you're getting yourself into. Take this time after high school to look into other options. You feel like you need to make money right now and go to college later? Do it. Your parents both have college degrees from renowned schools, but you want to serve your country? Do it. Don't let the pressure of others, or the thought that you HAVE to do something, stop you from looking into other possible futures.

Don't Be Afraid To Ask Questions

Most likely you feel like you have your entire life planned out (or scared to death because you don't anything about what you want to do with your life). You're not alone, trust me. Ask your parents, mentors, pastors, or anybody who you think has life figured out for help on what to do in certain situations or how to take a step in a certain direction. Life after high school is tough and they understand that. Chances are, they'll be glad you asked.

Reminisce

Up to this point you have spent twelve to fourteen years of your life in grade school. You have had some great times with great people as well as difficult times. Take this time to look back on all of your years in school with the people you call your best friends and understand that those are only memories now. It may be sad, nostalgic, or even heartbreaking, but you have to look at the good times as blessings and the hard times as lessons. Look towards the future with optimism and understand that life really is what you make it. You are now a high school graduate and the world is yours for the taking.